Comparative Phytonutrients Analysis and Proximate Constituents of few Accessions of Nigerian and Indian Eggplant (Solanum species)

Abstract

Vegetable plants contain appreciable amount of bioactive components that may provide desirable well-being merits beyond primary nutrition. It also provide major role in preventing numerous chronic diseases. Therefore, this study compared the morphological, nutritional and phytonutrients parameters of some accessions of Nigerian and Indian Eggplants in a Completely Randomized design model. The Nigerian accessions are namely: NG/MR/MAY/09/007; NGB01309 and NHGB/09/136 collected from NACGRAB, Ibadan, Nigeria while the Indian accessions are NISHA improved and PINK collected from Authorized Agency, India. The results revealed a significant difference in the germination percentage with Indian species recorded between 80 and 90% as against between 50 and 70% noted for Nigerian species. Average plant height at 90 days for India samples was 33cm, 30cm for Nisha and Pink respectively while Nigerian samples was significantly high in height (48.3cm, 21cm and 36.3cm for NG/MR/MAY/09/007, NGB01309 and NHGB/09/136 respectively). With the exception of NGB01309 other Nigerians samples were superior (P<0.05) to the Indian sample. The phytochemicals of the leaves and fruits (Flavonoid, Cardiac glycosides, Alkaloids, Saponins, Tannins and Phytates) reported herein was greater in all Nigerian samples. Nutritionally, the Indian samples were superior in all the parameters (% Starch, Protein and Crude fibre) examined. The availability of more phytonutrients in Nigerian accession relates to more and better prevention of cardiovascular, stroke, Alzheimer and cancer diseases as well as ageing. In conclusion the accessions showed their potentials as a good source for use as nutraceuticals so as to promote general health, control symptoms and check malignant diseases.

Keywords: Solanum species, phytochemicals, morphology, nutritional value